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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A dirge - hymn - or musical service for the repose of the dead.






2. Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.






3. Creating variation pitch in a note by quickly alternating between notes.






4. Written for 2 to 10 solo parts featuring one instrument to a part. Each part bears the same importance.






5. A mild glissando between two notes for an expressive effect.






6. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






7. A 17th century dance written in Quadruple time - always beginning on the third beat of the measure.






8. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






9. A musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






10. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.






11. Either of the two octave arrangements in modern music. The modes are either major or minor.






12. An extended solo - often accompanying the vocal part of an aria.






13. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






14. A quick 20th century dance written in double time.






15. The technique of altering the tone color of a single note or musical line by changing from one instrument to another in the middle of a note or line.






16. Combination of two or more keys being played at the same time.






17. A composition written for a solo instrument. The soloist plays the melody while the orchestra plays the accompaniment.






18. Music composed such that each note is used the same number of times.






19. Suite of Baroque dances.






20. A combination of two or more staves on which all the notes are vertically aligned and performed simultaneously in differing registers and instruments.






21. A portion of the range of the instrument or voice.






22. Combining a number of individual but harmonizing melodies. Also known as counterpoint.






23. A combination of two or more staves on which all the notes are vertically aligned and performed simultaneously in differing registers and instruments.






24. A direction in sheet music indicating the tempo is to be very fast.






25. To shift to another key.






26. A symbol in sheet music that returns a note to its original pitch after it has been augmented or diminished.






27. System of notes or tones based on and named after the key note.






28. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






29. A complex piece of music. Usually the first movement of the piece serving as the exposition - a development - or recapitulation.






30. The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds.






31. Two or more voices or instruments playing the same note simultaneously.






32. Slow and stately dance music written in triple time.






33. The structure of a piece of music.






34. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






35. Singing or chanting in unison without strict rhythm. Collected during the Reign of Pope Gregory VIII for psalms and other other parts of the church service.






36. The playing or singing the upper half of the vocal range. Also the highest voice in choral singing.






37. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






38. Arrangement of music for a combined number of instruments.






39. A whole note is equal to 2 half notes - 4 quarter notes - 8 eighth notes - etc.






40. The range of an instrumental or a vocal part.






41. A successive transposition and repetition of a phrase at different pitches.






42. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






43. Introduction to an opera or other large musical work.






44. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






45. Singing in unison - texts in a free rhythm. Similar to the rhythm of speech.






46. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






47. Indicating speed.






48. Closing section of a movement.






49. Music written to be sung or played in unison.






50. A composition written for eight instruments.